BOUNTIFUL – Religion and science may not be as contradictory as some people think.

That’s the theory behind “Science and Religion: Reconciling the Conflicts,” by David M. Barker. The Bountiful resident, who will be at the Bountiful Barnes & Noble Jan. 18, seeks to bridge the commonly seen divide between faith and fact.

“Some claim that their loss of faith is due to scientific enlightenment, while others have unshakeable conviction,” said Barker. “But some of us need a little propping up once in awhile, including myself. I’m sharing the things that have helped support my faith.”

The book is divided into areas of scientific interest, including comets and asteroids, continental drift and carbon dating. The terminology is designed for those with more than a casual interest in each field.

“I’ve collected some really good information on scientific dating techniques,” he said.

Barker has been fascinated by science and religion for years, and has carefully followed updates on the topic for decades. The book reflects 45 years of his research, carefully annotated to reflect original source articles from authors such as LDS historian Hugh B. Nibley.

“This has been much stronger than a hobby of mine since my youth,” he said.

Through those years, the most surprising thing Barker said he’s learned is that scientific facts aren’t as absolute as non-scientists think.

“Most laymen think that science means tried, tested and true,” he said. “Most non-scientists don’t know how much it takes to prove anything.”